The GoPro is arguably the most flexible camera on the market. Now it’s time for a motorcycle MOUNT as flexible as the camera – and a classy look that is unmatched by other mounts!

Tons o’ Angle Options: We’ve designed the GoPro mount with up to FIVE swivel and pivot points. You can literally mount this anywhere and get the angle you want!

Three Height Options: While we’re being uber-flexible with the angles, how about more height options? Choose from a “shortie” (for those who want to keep the camera close to the mounting location), a “medium” of 5 inch and a “tall” of 8 inches.

Vibration Isn’t Good: That’s why we’ve done everything we can (short of repaving the entire world) to minimize vibration in the GoPro mount (including building the UltraSecurity and Get the Vibe Out™ features into every mount).

Classic Look & Manufacture: The stainless steel mounting rod is not only rust-proof; it’s so slim you’ll hardly notice it’s there! And as always, our parts are machined right here in the USA.

Mount Everywhere: With a wide variety of mounting locations (handlebar, brake/clutch, mirror stem, windshield as well as specialty applications like Can-Am and BMW) this is the only GoPro mount you’ll need!

When someone tells you that prejudice is dead, stop right then and produce a copy of this editorial. (btw you should keep a copy of each one that I write…it’s sorta mandatory)

Not only is prejudice alive, it’s so pervasive that we almost don’t recognize it when it appears.

Before you get the wrong idea, I’m not referring to the kind of prejudice that attracts Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton wannabe’s…. I’m talking about the “it’s not a motorcycle” prejudice that is rampant in our lifestyle.

Just to be clear, I’m no genius, (despite having once outscored a member of Mensa at trivia night) but I’ve been around the block a time or two. OK..so I was lost and kept circling the block, but that’s not what’s important… let’s get back on the subject here ok?

Over the lifespan of this magazine, I’ve been on a bunch of rides and bike nights. You may ask….how many is a bunch?

Well, if you want to be technical….a “bunch” is more than “a few” but less than a “butt-load.” If you’re from the U.K., then it’s about as many as a “wank-load.”

So I am comfortable making the statement that in our lifestyle, if you’re riding a trike and don’t walk with a limp, or have a cane strapped to the side, you’re going to be looked at different by a lot of two wheel riders.

It’s a little like Miss America was a few years ago. It didn’t matter how pretty she was, Miss Puerto-Rico never stood a chance.

I remember when I was 10, my dad trying to explain.

Me: Hey, how come Miss Purty-Ree-Co ain’t in the top 10? She’s way prettier than Miss Utah! (and for the record, Miss New York was ALWAYS BUTT-UGLY but even at an early age I understand the power of the Mafia..so I never questioned why she always made the finals.)

Dad: (sigh) Son….this maybe hard for you to understand, but she (Miss Puerto-Rico) ain’t ‘Merican…..

Me: (Having learned this in American History class) That’s where you’re wrong old man! People from Puerto-Rico are American citizens…just like us…even though it’s not a state….(blah blah blah)
I could see my Dad’s eyes gloss over and I knew he wasn’t paying attention because I was blathering on….or he was fantasizing about trading places with Bob Barker on stage with those 10 beautiful creatures

Dad: Son…I don’t care what they teach you in that overpriced private school your mom insisted we send you to…if it don’t have a star on the flag, it ain’t in America!

And that was that. We never discussed it again. Back in those days, your parents would rather you cross-dressed than crossed certain ethnic lines. I learned early on that it wouldn’t be cool to date a Hispanic, Asian, or Presbyterian and bring her home to meet the folks.

Before he passed away, my dad mellowed a bit and became more open minded…but I never pushed it with the Presbyterian thing. I mean those chicks were hot, but c’mon…they believe in DINOSAURS! They ain’t like us!

So again, I’ve digressed.

As much as we like to think we don’t have that “It’s not a motorcycle” mentality, I’ll wager you have either made the statement or thought it at some point in your life.

I recently rode a trike for 3 days around upper Wisconsin, (the review is in this issue) and I could feel the sympthy coming from people at gas stations and restaurants. One guy even motioned me to park in the handicapped spot, obviously thinking if I was on a trike, I must be crippled!

WAKE UP PEOPLE! Trikers are bikers too! Sure, it’s three wheels, but dang it, when it rains, they get wet. When it’s cold, they’re cold. When it’s hot, they’re hot, just like you!

I don’t know when this will change, but its hard overcoming predjuice.

If you’re a triker, don’t despair. Just enjoy the wind, and accept the handicap spots when they’re offered. Just like Miss Puerto Rico, be proud of who you are.

If vfact, wear a t-shirt that says, “It’s more fun with 3!” That should get the stares! (available at www.bikernation.biz)

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle blessed with the signature of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and later received by Pope Francis, is to be sold for charity at Bonhams 5 February Paris Sale.

The motorcycle is to be offered as part of Bonhams Grand Palais auction, entered at no reserve, with an estimate of €15,000-25,000 (£11,700-19,600).

In a special countdown to Harley-Davidson’s 110th anniversary celebrations, two commemorative motorcycle petrol tanks were presented to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

These were signed, and returned to the motorcycle legends US headquarters where they were mounted to their respective motorcycles. Of these, one remains in the Harley-Davidson museum in Milwaukee, USA. The remaining motorcycle – the FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic destined for Bonhams 2015 sale – lay waiting for a special ceremony where it would be presented to the Pope in front of tens-of thousands of Harley-Davidson riders at 2013s 110th anniversary celebration.

However, in an unforeseen change to the papacy, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI abdicated in January 2013. Subsequently this saw the Softail Classic presented to the newly inaugurated Pope, his holiness Pope Francis.

“It’s an honour to have been selected to sell this fantastic machine. We expect a lot of interest, and hope to raise some spirited bidding for the very worthy charity selected,” said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Motorcycle Department.

“In February 2014, Bonhams sold 1,585cc Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide signed by His Holiness Pope Francis. Now we’re delighted to offer a motorcycle received by both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI; it was present during a pivotal period in the papacy of the Catholic Church, and we expect a lot of interest in it.”

Entered at no reserve, this unique motorcycle will have its auction proceeds donated to Stowarzyszenie Przyjazny Świat Dziecka (Friendly World Association), a Polish volunteer, independent, non-profit organization that offers care and support to children and families in need.

Products for the Biker Nation

The Harley-Davidson will be sold on 5 February 2015 as part of Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde sale at the Grand Palais in Paris.

With some incredible vehicles already confirmed, Bonhams is still accepting select consignments for the Grand Palais Sale. Sellers interested in consigning rare and important motorcycles to this internationally attended auction can contact Bonhams motorcycle representatives at: https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CYC/.

A new survey reveals contempt among states for others’ driving habits.

Sept. 15, 2014 (Foster City, Calif.) – Drivers from Idaho, Washington, D.C. and New York have been judged to be the rudest drivers, according to a survey by Insure.com, an independent consumer insurance information website.

Also judged to be quite rude are drivers from Wyoming, Massachusetts, Vermont and Delaware.

Here’s how the top 10 rudest drivers rank, based on a survey of 2,000 licensed drivers nationwide:

“Casting aspersions toward other drivers is a long-standing tradition,” said Amy Danise, editorial director for Insure.com. “We wanted to know not only where the rude drivers come from, but also who thinks they’re rude.”

Insure.com analyzed the results to determine who dislikes whom the most. California drivers are the biggest haters: They are the No. 1 haters of drivers from surrounding states and even from states across the country. Californians hate New York drivers more than New Jersey drivers do.

Here are the states where residents are the biggest haters of drivers from three or more other states:

Hater No. 1: California. Drivers from the Golden State have dark thoughts about drivers from Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah and even Vermont.

Hater No. 2: Texas. It looks like drivers from California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and South Dakota have messed with Texas.

PRODUCTS FROM THE BIKER NATION

Haters No. 3, 4 and 5 (tie):

Georgia: There will be no peaches for drivers from Alabama, Delaware and Florida.

Illinois: Someone isn’t getting along with its neighbors. Illinois drivers point to people in Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin as being the rudest on the road.

Pennsylvania: Although one of Pennsylvania’s nicknames is the Quaker State, people there show little forgiveness toward drivers from Maryland, Nebraska and West Virginia.

“There’s also no love lost between North and South Carolina – they point to each other as having the rudest drivers,” observed Danise. “But North and South Dakota seem to be getting along. Neither one points to the other as having the rudest drivers.”

When asked what makes them most mad about other drivers, people said:

Talking on a cellphone while driving – 47%

Tailgating – 37%

Not signaling turns – 35%

Weaving in and out of lanes – 28%

Driving too fast, like every road is a highway – 26%

(Respondents could choose more than one answer from 18 choices.)

Half of people (49 percent) believe that about a quarter of other drivers should not be on the road. Twenty-one percent think half of other drivers should not be on the road.

Insure.com commissioned a survey of 2,000 licensed drivers, half women and half men, with respondents representing all areas of the country according to Census population data. The state rankings were calculated using a ratio of the nationwide votes for drivers of the state divided by the number of respondents from the state. The survey was fielded in July 2014.

About Insure.com

Insure.com provides a comprehensive array of information on auto insurance, home insurance, health insurance, and life insurance. The site offers an extensive library of originally authored insurance articles and decision-making tools that are not available from any other single source, including its extensive car insurance discounts tool. Insure.com is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc. (NASDAQ: QNST), one of the largest Internet marketing and media companies in the world. QuinStreet is committed to providing consumers and businesses with the information they need to research, find and select the products, services and brands that best meet their needs. The company is a leader in visitor-friendly marketing practices. For more information, please visit QuinStreet.com.

ATLANTA (September 3, 2014) – With over 100 years of motorcycling history and numerous land speed world record titles, Triumph Motorcycles America, in cooperation with Castrol, Hot Rod Conspiracy, and Carpenter Racing, returns to the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, September 12-16, for land speed runs during Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout.

Developed by Matt Markstaller (Hot Rod Conspiracy) and Bob Carpenter (Carpenter Racing), the Triumph Castrol Rocket is the newest streamliner of the group seeking to break the FIM world land speed record in the motorcycle class. Having been taken from proof of concept to reality in just over two years is an aggressive timeline in land speed racing and speaks to the high level of engineering and engine building expertise that set the foundation for this project.

PRODUCTS FOR THE BIKER NATION

“There are teams that have been out here attempting to break records for years. It’s very hard because there are so many variables to contend against, but we have an amazing team,” said Matt Markstaller, “We have confidence in the progress we’ve made in this project’s development since we were on the Salt a year ago.”

“While our streamliner produces enough power from the two Rocket III engines to generate record setting speeds, our endeavor also becomes a battle with the elements,” said Bob Carpenter. “The Salt Flats are an ever-changing environment that can be quite forgiving or absolutely inhospitable, you never know what to expect.”

Piloted by AMA Pro Road Racer Jason DiSalvo, this will be an attempt to break the current 376.363 mph land speed record held by fellow Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout entry Ack Attack and piloted by Rocky Robinson. Operating the 1000-horsepower, twin turbocharged Rocket III engine streamliner requires adaptation, which DiSalvo is capable of accomplishing due to his seasoned racing background.

“Piloting the Triumph Castrol Rocket is a unique and thrilling challenge, but what really stands out is the unbelievable amount of power the machine produces,” said DiSalvo, “It simply defies explanation and belief. I find myself tapping into all the honed skill I have developed in my racing career and learning new ones as we continue to eclipse new speed levels.”

Triumph Motorcycles is no stranger to setting records. The naming of the Bonneville, Triumph’s best known bike, is in tribute to the company’s accomplishments on the Salt Flats. Triumph held the title of “World’s Fastest Motorcycle” from 1955 to 1970 with the exception of 33 days. Its rich heritage in land speed racing features four record-setting streamliners: Devil’s Arrow (1955 at 193.72 mph), Texas Cee-gar (1956 at 214.17 mph), Dudek Johnson (1962 at 224.57 mph), and Gyronaut X-1 (1966 at 245.66 mph)

“It is all about the journey,” said Matt Sheahan, Chief Operating Officer for Triumph Motorcycles America. “To be back at Bonneville with Castrol and the rest of our team is like returning home. So much of Triumph’s legacy was established right here in Utah by passionate, driven and courageous motorcyclists and engineers that all believe in constantly pushing the envelope. Today we are able to continue that legacy, and it is something we are immensely proud to be a part of, not just for Triumph, but for the entire motorcycling industry.”

Entering Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout is by invitation only to an exclusive and list of participants. Land speed attempts on the Bonneville Salt Flats will occur along a 10 to 11-mile course subject to cancellation or delay based upon the weather conditions including rain and wind.

Crusher, the all-new Performance Division of Kuryakyn is the latest development from the leading designer and manufacturer of aftermarket parts and accessories for the “2014 marks our 25th anniversary,” explains Küryakyn President Holger Mohr. “We have started this new division as one of the first steps in following the initiatives we’ve laid out for our next 25 years. Wrapping our years of proven customer service, design innovation and customer loyalty around a truly performance dedicated team is a powerful thing,” finishes Mohr. New product development is already in full swing. The brand-new made in America, Maverick 4” Slip-Ons and 2-Into-2 exhaust systems debut in Sturgis. The Maverick series’ distinct precision machined billet aluminum tips with a matte black high-temp ceramic coating complement the existing product line perfectly and fills the void in the marketplace for stylish, premium, high-quality, performance exhaust products; validating the slogan: Defining Style within Performance. Experience the premiere of Crusher and debut of the Maverick Series first-hand at Black Hills Harley- Davidson August 2-9. Get out there!

As part of their growing line of TruFLEX integrated LED plate frames, Custom Dynamics has just released the TF06. This unit features 45 Red LEDS on each side that can be used as Run, Brake, Turn or any combination, as well as 6 Cool White LEDs for license plate illumination. The TF06 works great on newer HDs that have 1157 rear turn signals and no center taillight. On these bikes the Red LEDs will function as Run-Brake-Turn, significantly increasing rear visibility. Available in either a chrome or black finish. MSRP $119.95. Contact Custom Dynamics at 800-382-1388,www.customdynamics.com or your local Drag Specialties dealer

H-D’s 2014 Touring Models have turn and brake functions on the same rear wire, making it impossible to put any auxiliary, Turn Only lights on the rear of the motorcycle. Custom Dynamics Turn Signal Decoder isolates the turn signal wires, making it possible to add lights to the rear for Turn Signal Only. With easy to connect Posi-Taps, the Decoder makes it possible to use popular products such as Dual Color Plasma Rods, LED Plate Frames with Amber Turns. Works only with add-on LED Turn Signals. Fits: 2014 Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Ultra Limited. MSRP: $74.95, Contact Custom Dynamics at 800-382-1388, www.customdynamics.com or your local Drag Specialties dealer for more information

Company to Host Thousands for Demo Rides and Link Customers to Daily Entertainment with New Free Mobile App

MILWAUKEE (July 30, 2014) – Harley-Davidson® is kicking off the 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota with a full arsenal of activities and events that will electrify all motorcycle enthusiasts.

The highly anticipated rally runs from Saturday, August 2 through Saturday, August 9. With activities, rides and demos scheduled throughout the week, Harley-Davidson created a free mobile app to help attendees navigate all the action. Harley-Davidson will also showcase Project LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, along with its brand-new Street™ 750 motorcycle.

“This year’s Sturgis Rally is set to be the biggest one yet,” said Kris Schoonover, Manager of Event Strategy and Execution at Harley-Davidson. “We’ve got a packed schedule of events and entertainment all week long. Sturgis riders will have the chance to provide feedback on Project LiveWire and check out our brand-new Street 750, which is available at dealers now. We’re confident our fans won’t be disappointed.”

To help navigate the full week of Harley-Davidson activities, attendees can download the new free H-D™ mobile Sturgis event app. The app features the complete Harley-DavidsonSturgis event schedule, maps, H.O.G.® experiences, a dealer locator, plus optional push notification updates with the latest info riders need to get the most out of Sturgis. Fans can search H-D Events Sturgis on iTunes or GooglePlay to download the app, and use #sturgis to share their experiences.

Harley-Davidson also will rock two different event locations during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – Black Hills Harley-Davidson (I-90 Exit 55, north of Rapid City) and 3rd & Lazelle Street (Downtown Sturgis) – where fans can enjoy a variety of free activities and entertainment, including:

Black Hills Harley-Davidson (I-90 Exit 55, north of Rapid City):

Fans can visit Black Hills Harley-Davidson to demo the latest and greatest Harley-Davidson motorcycles and MotorClothes®:

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Test Rides – Take a FREE test ride on a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, including the new Project RUSHMORE bikes, LowRider®and SuperLow® 1200T. Demo registration will close at 4:00 p.m. daily.

Harley-Davidson MotorClothes – Try on the new jackets and even take them for a test ride! All items will be available for immediate purchase.

H-D1™ Fit Shop – Come experience the feel of a more comfortable, safer ride and find the perfect seat and handlebar combination.

Project LiveWire – Harley Davidson’s first electric motorcycle will be on display.

3rd & Lazelle Street (Downtown Sturgis):

Those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere can head to 3rd and Lazelle Street where they’ll find a variety of free activities and entertainment:

New Motorcycle Stunt Show – Experience the thrilling stunt show three times daily (10 a.m., 1 p.m., & 4 p.m.) produced by Ill Conduct Team.

Weber® Mobile Grill Academy – Get a first-hand look at Weber grills and accessories. Weber Experts will be there to answer any questions you may have about grills, grilling techniques, recipes, and all things grilling!

Craftsman® Garage Station – Hang out at the Craftsman Garage and check out a variety of products perfect for anyone’s “man cave.”

Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts & Accessories Display – Check out the latest Harley models equipped with the full line of custom Parts & Accessories.

H.O.G. 31st Global Lounge – Enjoy the unique historical and educational displays as well as live entertainment and complimentary samples of new H-D Road House Meats and beer samples.

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) – Support the cause with the purchase of a pin and enter to win a black 2014 Street Glide!

For a complete listing of Harley-Davidson events at the 2014 Sturgis Rally, download the new mobile app or visitwww.h-d.com/sturgis.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.h-d.com.

Polaris makes toys. A lot of these toys appeal to boys from the age of about 18 to 80. Polaris has a history of knowing what guys want even before they do. This $3.8 billion dollar power-sports powerhouse gives its designers a lot of rope to create vehicles that tickle the imagination of toy-loving outdoor enthusiasts. Ten years ago Polaris reinvented the off-road all-terrain vehicle market with their innovative side-by-side RZR and RANGER products. Their line of Victory motorcycles gave cruiser riders a genuine alternative to Harley Davidson. The new Indian line is getting rave reviews for not only being true to the original Indian brand, but introducing leading edge technology at the same time. And this, without mentioning their award-winning snowmobiles. Of course, women ride too, but out on the road or the trail, it seems as if there is a slightly higher percentage of men and boys on these roar-toys than women and girls.

This week Polaris is doing it again with the Slingshot. Here is a vehicle somewhere between an Ariel Atom sports car and a Ducati GP motorcycle. Its 3-point geometry consists of a 173-HP front-mounted engine, a single rear wheel connected to the transmission with a belt, ultra wide-stance front wheels and ground clearance just inches above the pavement. The Slingshot exhibits super-car angularity and looks like it came off the set of a Terminator movie. With a 105-inch wheelbase and 69-inch track width, this baby is wide. Weighing in at just under 1,700 lbs. and with just 10 lbs. for each horsepower to pull, the Slingshot accelerates like a rocket.

According to Mike Jonikas, the Polaris VP overseeing the Slingshot, it was “designed from the ground up for people with a passionate thirst for an adrenaline-filled driving experience. It’s the perfect vehicle for those days when you crave a drive in the open air with the asphalt screaming beneath you and the head-turning exhilaration that comes from driving something incredibly unique.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) both classify the Slingshot as a 3-wheel motorcycle. This means all federal and state regulations pertaining to the licensing and safety for motorcycles apply, including local helmet laws.

The Slingshot’s space-age steel frame has a sport-tuned double-wishbone front suspension with a sway bar and coil over gas-filled shocks. Electric, power-assisted steering is designed to provide for fatigue-free driving. ABS coupled to 298mm diameter rotors at all three wheels will slow this beast down in seconds and do it safely. Peak horsepower comes at 6,200 RPM and the rev limiter caps RPM at 7,000 RPM.

A lightweight aluminum swingarm and massive rear shock hold the rear wheel and drive train in position. Electronic stability control helps avoid unwanted wheel spin or skidding which could be a concern in a three-wheel vehicle. Wheel size varies slightly for each model, but are forged aluminum in front and back with custom designed, low-profile, high-performance tires. The clutch is a single plate dry clutch, hydraulically activated and mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Power is delivered through the transmission and then to the rear wheel via a carbon fiber reinforced belt.

$15.00 CLICK TO ORDER

You step into the car (there is no door) and sit on race-like waterproof seats, and settle yourself into a futuristic frame with rust-proof polymer body panels. Close proximity to the pavement amplifies the sensation of speed. When you’re surfing down the asphalt with your backside only 11 inches off the ground, you get a whole new perspective on velocity and the true meaning of ground clearance. In a modern sports car one can quite easily accelerate down a highway onramp and inadvertently find one’s self at triple digit speeds. Not so with the Slingshot. Here 50 mph feels like 90 and even at modest speeds you’ll find yourself grinning ear to ear while passengers raise their arms in the air as if on an amusement park thrill ride.

Available in two models, the Slingshot and Slingshot SL, both have five-speed manual transmissions. Power comes from a 2.4 liter (2384cc) dual overhead cam engine with a bore and stroke of 88mm X 98mm and variable-value timing for better fuel efficiency. The compression ratio is 10.4:1 on the 173 HP power plant, which means you’ll be parking at the premium pump when you fill up.

The Slingshot is available in a “Titanium Metallic” paint scheme and features 17-inch wheels upfront and an 18-inch wheel in the rear. The Slingshot SL comes in “Red Pearl” with larger 18-inch wheels in front and a larger rear wheel as well. All wheels are forged aluminum. The SL model also includes a windscreen, integrated backup camera, and a six-speaker Bluetooth-enabled audio system — all of which can be ordered separately on the base model.

Pricing is forecast to be in the $22 – $25K range. Polaris dealers will begin taking deposits in August with deliveries expected to begin as early as October. Accessories include car covers, different windshields and lighting kits, smartphone mounts and a media console, and, presumably, coordinating apparel.

There are innate human reasons that convertibles, motorcycles and ATVs are so popular. On a beautiful day there’s nothing better than the sun in your face and the wind in your hair as you experience firsthand an unforgettable urban or rural landscape. The Slingshot is born of a recipe that is equal parts of each of these genres, with a pinch of Batmobile and F1 race car thrown in to turn heads, and I suspect buyers will love the taste of it.